How to prune chain cactus

Spring or early summer, though light tidying can occur any time. Use clean scissors or snips to cut stems at a natural joint or segment boundary. Remove dead or shriveled segments entirely. To encourage a fuller look, trim stem tips back by one to two segments, which may promote branching.

As needed — typically once a year or less. Chain Cactus (Rhipsalis paradoxa) is a trailing epiphytic cactus that needs minimal pruning. No shaping is required. Trim back any overly long, dead, or damaged stems to maintain a tidy appearance or to keep the plant in bounds for its pot or hanging basket. Light trimming can be done any time.

Use clean scissors or snips to cut stems at a natural joint or segment boundary. Remove dead or shriveled segments entirely. To encourage a fuller look, trim stem tips back by one to two segments, which may promote branching.